By John DeSpagna
Campus News
As the world is always changing, we have to realize that we are now competing in a global economy. A global economy also presents new opportunities that did not exist years ago. One of these areas is with career options. There is a whole world out there beyond the borders of the United States, and you may want to look internationally as you start your career.
In order to have a successful career, you need to come up with a plan. On the first day of class every semester, I discuss how you should write out your five-year plan. This will address not just academics but what you are going to do when you graduate from college.
A first step in a career in international business would be to try taking an elective in international business. You can start to see if you really have an interest in this field. Next, speak to the internship coordinator in your college. Find a placement in international business so you can gain some experience and start to make contacts so you can network. Networking is a very important skill that you need to develop. Many people obtain jobs through networking and knowing someone in an organization.
If you feel you are now moving in the right direction, start looking at four-year colleges that offer a degree in international business. You will be taking courses that are specific to the field while building a foundation and requisite skill set. You may also want to consider a semester abroad program that many colleges offer. An additional step to further your education would be to earn an M.B.A. degree in Business with international business-related courses or a concentration.
The field of international business offers many job opportunities and now let’s take a look at them.
If you are looking for a Wall Street related position, you may want to consider the field of trading. You could obtain a position as a foreign exchange trader. You will have to understand different currencies and the inter relationships among them. These positions would be available in New York City and across the world.
Organizations are always looking for people who can sell. Selling drives the business and revenues in an organization. This requires a special set of making appointments and finding the right services and products to address a client’s needs. Companies all across the world need salespeople to work in international sales. This can also afford you the opportunity to travel abroad extensively.
Do you have the ability to fluently speak multiple languages? Well, how about working as an interpreter? You can work with senior executives and be involved in helping conduct business. Look at major league baseball where interpreters go to the pitching mound when you have a pitcher, catcher and infielders who speak different languages and need to communicate.
Do you want to start your own business? Entrepreneurs are willing to take risks, work hard and start their own business. A new business can sell their products and services all across the global marketplace.
Do you have the ability and aspirations to manage people? Being able to manage people in an effective and efficient manner is a valuable skill. Look at a company like Nike that needs to manage people all across the world to sell their shoes and apparel.
Trade specialists have a high degree of specialization to work out the details of a trade agreement. Look at some of the new trade new deals being negotiated across the world to help with the flow of goods and services across borders.
Have you ever thought about the logistics of engineering, manufacturing and selling an iPhone? Well, this takes us into the field of supply chain management where a lot happens behind the scenes to get the iPhone into a customer’s hands.
There are numerous opportunities available in the field of international business. Think about some of these opportunities and see if a career in this field is for you.
John DeSpagna is Chair of the Accounting and Business Administration Department at Nassau Community College in Garden City, N.Y.
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